The Sou'Wester: March 2024

MARCH 2024

THE LAST LECTURE: KAY SASSI’S FAREWELL ADDRESS TO GEORGIA SOUTHWESTERN

Amari Rudison Staff Writer

On March 12, the Second Annual Last Lecture was held at Jackson Hall Theater. This year, Ms. Kay Sassi, a Senior English Professor at Georgia Southwestern, was the featured speaker. A proud alumna of Georgia Southwestern, Ms. Sassi graduated Summa Cum Laude in May 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in English. Transitioning from a career in marketing and public relations, she began her teaching journey at GSW part-time. After earning her master’s degree, she became a full-time professor on campus. With her impending retirement in May, she will leave a significant mark on the English and Modern Languages Department. When asked about her plans for retirement, Ms. Sassi expressed enthusiasm for kayaking, gardening, and enjoying leisurely mornings.

During her Last Lecture, Ms. Sassi reflected on the trust built with her students, emphasizing the importance of understanding each individual’s unique qualities. She noted that students often share aspects of themselves in their own time and engage on their terms. Recognizing her students’ sense of

Ms. Kay Sassi delivers her last lecture.

humor, Ms. Sassi acknowledged both the joys and challenges shared, citing laughter as a vital tool for resilience. She fondly quoted to her students, “That humor you all possess, use it; it will help you through tough times, I promise.”

Ms. Sassi also recounted the challenges faced in 2020 when the world came to a halt. She recognized the struggle with online learning, particularly Zoom, and the need for consistency during turbulent times. In response, she offered 24-hour office hours, a decision that profoundly impacted both her and her students, creating a sense of connection even through virtual means.

In concluding her Last Lecture, Ms.

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Chi Phi and Zeta Tau Alpha unite for a comedic mock greek wedding in the Chi Phi backyard.

NEW BEGINNINGS

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Pastor Daryl Lewis opens the doors to New Beginnings Baptist Church, a new church in Ellaville.

FUTURE HURRICANES AT ACCEPTED STUDENTS DAY

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Image series showing the highlights from accepted students day at GSW.

BCM SPRING BREAK MISSION TRIP

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BCM students travel to New Orleans oevr Spring Break to assist NOLA Baptist Church in building renovations.

CAMPUS FORECAST: BEST ICE CREAM FLAVOR

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The GSW community share their favorite flavors of ice cream following the recent opening of Scoops.

Sassi imparted a heartfelt message to the Georgia Southwestern community. She expressed pride in her students and the belief in their potential, emphasizing the need for patience in achieving their goals. Acknowledging the inevitability of feeling alone or scared, she urged students to remember that the strength they need resides in their hearts. Her dedication and impact on the students at Georgia Southwestern will be profoundly missed.

Ms. Kay Sassi receives a special plaque after her last lecture. Photo submitted by Alex Espitia.

Photo by Amari Rudison.

CHI PHI AND ZETA TAU ALPHA UNITE FOR COMEDIC MOCK WEDDING

Dylan Tracy Staff Writer

In an unusual twist on tradition, the Chi Phi Fraternity and Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority recently joined forces to host a social event that left attendees in stitches. Dubbed the “Greek Wedding,” this unconventional gathering brought together members of both Greek organizations for an evening filled with laughter.

The event, held in the backyard of the Chi Phi fraternity house, embraced the spirit of parody as it unfolded with a mock wedding ceremony. Members from both the fraternity

and sorority enthusiastically embraced their roles, donning attire reminiscent of a traditional wedding party. From the bride and groom to the bridesmaids and groomsmen, each participant embodied their character with enthusiasm, adding a dash of comedic flair to the proceedings.

As the “ceremony” commenced, attendees were treated to a series of short gags and hilarious pauses throughout the event. From exaggerated wedding vows to comical group huddles, the performances kept the audience entertained and engaged from start to finish.

Despite the event’s satirical nature, it also served as a testament to the strong bonds of friendship and community within the Greek organizations. By coming together to orchestrate such an enjoyable event, members of Chi Phi and Zeta Tau Alpha demonstrated the power of collaboration within Greek Life on campus.

The mock officiant leads the ceremony with a megaphone at the Greek Wedding. All photos by Dylan Tracy.

The “father” walks the “bride” down the aisle for the mock Greek Wedding.

Greek Life members share laughs at the Unique ‘Greek Wedding’ Ceremony.

The “groom” and “bride” walk down the aisle.

A joyous petal toss enlivens the mock wedding event.

The mock Greek Wedding kicks off with the “groom” and “bride.”

The “groom” declares his vows through a megaphone.

NEW BEGINNINGS BAPTIST CHURCH: A SANCTUARY FOR THE STRUGGLING

Colby Hernandez Staff Writer

After leaving a previous church, Pastor Daryl Lewis decided it was time to start a new church. New Beginnings Baptist Church, located halfway between Ellaville and Andersonville on Highway 271, hopes to be “no different” from other churches. You see, Daryl believes that a church shouldn’t advertise that they are different. He wants his church to be a place where the common man can come and feel welcome.

The church’s first Sunday was March 16, 2024. About 30 or so people turned up for the grand opening, despite the rainy day. Lewis and his family have been pastoring churches for years. He started in North Georgia and moved to West Tennessee before making his way to this area, where he helped to start Amazing Grace Baptist Church, currently located right in front of campus. “I got to a point where God began to burden my heart in a different direction,” Daryl said.

“We had a young man that needed rehab. Unfortunately, in our society, there is a picture that comes to mind.” Lewis was talking about the image of addicted people that we often think of: junkies with skin flaking off and bruises on their arms. “This guy didn’t fit that picture. He didn’t look like what society thinks addiction looks like. People don’t understand that this guy who wears a business suit every day is one shoulder injury and painkiller away from being an addict. This young man finally got to the place where he said, ‘I need help.’”

Daryl continued to tell the story of having to drive three hours to a rehab center in Atlanta to visit this man almost daily for six weeks. After this incident, he wanted to start a Celebrate Recovery program, a Christian program designed to help people suffering from addictions or bad habits find recovery. He decided to shift away from Amazing Grace, and, after some help and encouragement from friends, Daryl and his family decided to start New Beginnings.

The church’s mission is to “find broken people, rescue people, show them what to do, and send them out. That’s the heart of it all. Our goal is to bring a recovery ministry; not just something small, a full blown recovery center to the Schley County/Sumter County area.” Daryl laments the fact that we don’t have a recovery program in the area.

During his first sermon at the church, entitled “New Beginnings,” Lewis admits that he was asked if the church was a church for drunks. “So what if it is?” he asked. “Find somebody who loves God more than someone who’s beaten addiction,” Daryl said in his sermon.

New Beginnings Baptist Church is located at 3838 Hwy 271 in Ellaville. Services are Sunday mornings at 10.

HURRICANES ATTEND ACCEPTED STUDENTS DAY AT GEORGIA SOUTHWESTERN IMAGE SERIES

Jackson Carlstrom Editor-In-Chief

Future Hurricanes experienced the excitement of GSW’s Accepted Student Day. Prospective students got to explore the campus, connect with faculty, and meet future classmates.

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

BCM AIDS NOLA BAPTIST CHURCH IN RENOVATING NEW BUILDING

Jackson Carlstrom Editor-In-Chief

New Orleans, known for its vibrant culture and resilient spirit, played host to a group of dedicated students from Georgia Southwestern State University this spring break. GSW’s Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM) chose to swap beach towels,

sunscreen, and swimsuits for hammers, shovels, and work gloves, as they ventured out into the heart of the city to assist NOLA Baptist Church with much needed renovations.

For years, the NOLA Baptist Church congregation has gathered in a humble warehouse, a makeshift sanctuary that, while filled with fervent faith, longed for a space more conducive to worship and community. When the opportunity arose to acquire a new church building, the congregation seized it, though aware of the extensive work needed to make the transition.

Every year, BCM’s from every college campus in Georgia go on spring break mission trips, where they get to go out and serve outside of their communities. For this year’s spring break mission trip, GSW BCM had the opportunity to help NOLA Baptist Church clean out and renovate their new building.

The mission began with an early Friday morning departure and an eight-hour journey to the Big Easy. Upon arrival that night, the BCM team settled into what would be their home base for the next few days: the same warehouse the NOLA Baptist Church had been using. The following day, Saturday, was a full work day for the team, with their tasks ranging from clearing out debris from where walls had been blown out to pulling nails and filling dumpsters.

On Sunday, the BCM students had a chance to rest from their labor to join the NOLA Baptist Church’s congregation for Sunday school and church service. Later that day, they enjoyed the taste of New Orleans at Frankie & Johnny’s Cajun and Creole Restaurant. The following Monday and Tuesday were again filled with renovation efforts. By Tuesday noon, the hard work concluded, and the team got to explore the French Quarter, indulging in beignets at Cafe Beignet, among other cultural experiences.

Each night at the warehouse was an opportunity for bonding and fellowship. Group discussions, card games, movies, and shared meals provided the students with a chance to reflect on their service and grow closer as a community. Reading through Galatians during their quiet times, the students found moments for contemplation and spiritual growth.

“The

mission trip was an amazing

New Orleans

BCM students at NOLA Baptist Church’s future building after 3 days of hard work. Photo submitted by Adam Shutters.

BCM students pose proudly in the newly cleaned out room after a day of hard work. Photo by Jackson Carlstrom.

Filling up the dumpster. Photo by Jackson Carlstrom. Covering up the windows. Photo by Jackson Carlstrom.

Covering up the windows. Photo by Jackson Carlstrom.

Clearing out the wall debris. Photo by Jackson Carlstrom.

experience all around,” Trent Mays said. “It was so encouraging to be there and be a part of the church we helped at. Being able to see their drive to share the Gospel and seeing it being shared 3 states away and seeing God’s word still be the same was so powerful.”

As the week drew to a close, the BCM students had not only helped transform a building but also grew closer as a group and developed an appreciation for the culture and community of New Orleans. Their departure marked the end of a fruitful mission, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the church and also within themselves, a testament to the power of service and the rich tapestry of community life in New Orleans.

Trying boiled shrimp at local restaurant. Photo by Jackson Carlstrom. Sunday service at NOLA Baptist Church. Photo by Jackson Carlstrom.